Your Winner

When we first set up this comparison test I was convinced I already knew who the winner would be. Having enjoyed the car on my ILX First Drive, and being so much more impressed with its styling compared to the aging Verano I thought the Acura ILX was a shoe-in for this one.

I was wrong.

If the mission is an affordable entry point to “luxury”, then the Buick performs the mission better. More refined ride quality, a quieter, more peaceful cabin and greater usable space and versatility mean the Buick delivers more for the money – and that’s before you throw in the hot-rod 2.0T engine.

And while the Acura ILX will better fill the sporty intentions with its handling and agility, the Buick’s powerplant takes back a large chunk of that advantage.

So for those reasons the Buick Verano pulls off a surprising victory here.

Warranty:
4 years/80,000 km; 6 years/110,000 km powertrain; 6 years/160,000 km corrosion perforation; 6 years/160,000 km roadside assistance; 2 years/40,000 km maintenance; 6 years/110,000 km courtesy transportation

Pricing: 2015 Buick Verano Sedan
Base Price: $29,595
Options: Premium Equipment Group (2.0L turbo, rear spoiler, dual exhaust, sport pedal kit) – $2,890, Experience Buick Package (audio system with navigation system, sunroof) – $1,895, 18-inch ten-spoke aluminum wheels – $525, chrome grille and trim – $445
A/C Tax: $100
Freight and PDI: $1,600
Price as Tested: $37,050

Warranty:
4 years/80,000 km; 5 years/100,000 km powertrain; 5 years/unlimited distance corrosion perforation; 4 years/unlimited distance roadside assistance

Pricing: 2016 Acura ILX A-Spec
Base Price: $34,890
Options: $0
A/C Tax: $100
Freight and PDI: $1,995
Price as Tested: $36,985

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